hierarchical classification system
- noun
- /ˌhaɪəˈrɑːkɪkəl klæsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən ˈsɪstəm/
- Specialized
- A hierarchical classification system helps users find information quickly by narrowing down from broad to specific categories.
Examples
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In biology, the hierarchical classification system groups organisms from kingdom down to species.
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The library uses a hierarchical classification system to organize its books by subject and subcategory.
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The library uses a hierarchical classification system for organizing books.
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Many universities implement a hierarchical classification system for their courses.
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The biological taxonomy use a hierarchical classification system that categorizes living organisms from kingdoms down to species.
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In libraries, books are often organized using a hierarchical classification system to make it easier for patrons to find them.
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The company implemented a hierarchical classification system for its employee roles, ensuring clear levels of responsibility.
Synonyms
A system that puts people and things in order by rank or power
A system that organizes information into groups and levels to make it easier to find
An arrangement of people or things in levels with higher levels controlling lower ones
A way of organising information in levels like a tree
An arrangement of data in levels where groups contain smaller groups, like folders and files
How Hierarchical
Surface Forms
Morphology
hierarchical + classification + system
The phrase is fully compositional: 'hierarchical' (arranged in levels) + 'classification' (organizing into classes) + 'system' (a set of rules) combine to mean a system that organizes items into ranked classes. This straightforward combination follows normal English composition and is cross‑linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words should be able to derive the meaning.
Etymology
The hierarchical classification system is like a tree: you start at the top with a large group and move down through smaller and smaller groups until you reach a single item. The word hierarchical shows the idea of levels and classification means sorting, so it refers to a way to organize things into levels 'from broad to specific'.